Page 29 of Stepping Up to the Plate

She gifts me another one of her breathtaking smiles. “That’s sweet of you to offer, but no. I need to do this by myself. Close the door on that chapter of my life, you know?”

“I can understand that. But know I’m here if you change your mind or need someone to vent to.”

“Why would you want that?”

“Want what?”

“To hear me talk about my ex and old relationship baggage?” she asks, bewildered.

“Lola, I know I’ve said this already, but I’m interested in you. I understand – given the recency of your situation – if you want to take it slow and I can absolutely do that. But I am always there for the people I care about and if that means hearing about your dickwad ex, I will. I may have to hold myself back from finding him and punching him in the face, but I will try to find that strength for you,” I tease with a wink.

“As for the baggage, it makes you who you are. We all have it. I know I’ve got stuff that shaped me into who I am. Speaking of, there are a few things you should know about me before you decide if you want to give this thing between us a shot. My offer for help stands, regardless.”

“Okay…” she wavers.

“First, you should know that the reason I was at Club Hedone isn’t only because I am a member, I am also an owner.”

“I may have heard that before,” she replies sheepishly. “Though I am not entirely sure what that entails. Do you work there? I assume you meet women there.”

“Yes and no. I am not an employee, but I do help out from time to time like the night we met. I also meet with the other owners every couple of months and occasionally play.”

“You’re a Dom?” she asks.

“Not exactly. At least not in the way many of the club’s members are. I am dominant, especially in the bedroom. I can also be outside it. Not in a ‘24/7 rules/punishment dynamic’ way, but in an ‘I want to support and take care of my partner’ way. Though, to be honest, I haven’t had a steady partner in a while and I have never had one from the club.

“I’ve been told I’m a bossy bastard. I will make a lot of decisions without consulting you. Not because I don’t value your opinion, but because I know I’m making the right choice and it doesn’t occur to me to ask you. I’m used to being in control and making decisions. It’s how I became one of the youngest captains in the MLB.”

“What decisions will you make?” she questions.

“For example, I’ll always be the one to drive us anywhere we go. You driving is an option that won’t even occur to me.”

“That’s okay. I don’t mind if you drive.”

“That’s one example. There are many more. Like when we’re out together, I am always going to want you to be somewhere that I can see you. Some might call me possessive, but I prefer protective. If I can’t see you, I don’t know if you’re okay or if someone is bothering you.”

“So, you’re the jealous type?”

“Not at all. My girl can wear whatever she wants, talk to whoever she wants, do whatever she wants as long as no one else touches what’s mine. I don’t want to stop her from doing what she wants. All I want is to make sure she is safe while doing it. She wants to tease me a bit and try to rile me up – that’s fine. I have a long memory and will make her pay for it later.”

“How will you make her pay?” she wonders out loud. The blush on her cheek tells me she didn’t mean to.

Deciding to test the waters, I lean over and whisper against her ear, “I’m not sure you’re ready for that, but I’ll tell you, anyway. There are lots of ways I can make her pay for teasing me. I could spank her cute little ass red before fucking her hoarse. I could tie her up and edge her all night until she crying for release. Or I could give her the attention she must have been craving and eat her pussy until she’s begging me to stop and then make her give me one more. There are many available payback methods, sweet girl.” I kiss the spot right below her ear and smile when she shivers against my lips.

Shaking herself out of her lusty haze, she asks, “What if someone touches what’s yours?”

Running a finger up and down her arm, I reply honestly, “If someone touches you, then he and I will have a problem. What happens depends on how he reacts to me letting him know that you’re off limits.”

I expect that to scare her a little, but her pupils dilate and breath quickens.

“We’ve gotten a bit off track,” I admit. “After everything we’ve discussed, is this still something you are interested in doing? If you want me to, I will back off. But I am hoping you’ll say yes and let me show you how good being mine can be.”

“I’m not sure if I’m ready to belong to anyone but myself right now, but I think I want to see where this leads. We’ll go slow?” she questions.

“Glacial, baby. Whatever you need, as long as you’re giving me a chance.”

“Okay, I want to try.”

My chest constricts with her declaration and I can’t stop myself from leaning in and finally tasting her lips. If I thought I wanted this girl before, this seals it. The way she melts against me into the kiss has my heart soaring. Slowly but firmly I swipe my tongue across her mouth, asking for permission to deepen the kiss. I won’t always be this gentle, but I can tell right now this is what she needs. She grants me access and meets me stroke for stroke but never fights me for dominance.

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